William R. ‘Bill’ Brown

William R. “Bill” Brown, 88, of Effingham, died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at the Effingham Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham.

Funeral services were at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, with Dr. Roger Marshall officiating. Burial was at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Anna City Cemetery in Anna, with military rites.

Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church in Effingham. Online condolences can be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.

He was born on Jan. 27, 1928, in Cairo, the son of Clarence and Genevieve Lingenfelter Brown.

He married Betty R. Wall of Dec. 30, 1950.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Effingham, Effingham Masonic Lodge 149, Effingham American Legion Post 120 and the University of Illinois Alumni Association.

He was a school teacher for two years and later became president of the Federal Land Bank Association in Effingham for 27 years. He enjoyed working in the yard, especially gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Betty R. Brown of Effingham; a son, William R. “Bill” (Melanie) Brown II of Altamont; grandchildren Jennifer Brown of Beecher City and Paige Brown of Altamont; two nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leondas Brown; and one sister, Joyce Churchill.